White
Chapter 37
Agenda
(A/N So… Yeah, it's getting close now. Let's see how things turn out. I'm trying to get these put out at a reasonable pace. So, I hope you all are enjoying the quick updates compared to what they were.)
SOUNDS/sounds
Thoughts
Disembodied Voices
(Last Time)
I turn to see Dodge Ball walk in. I wish I could talk to him but forming one word alone is extremely difficult. What? Wow… He looks… Serious. Very serious. Something's changed in him. I can tell that. I watch as he starts to put on that stupid protective gear. Dad stands and walks over to him. Something happened. I don't know if it's for better or for worse. What are they talking about? I can't hear Dad and Uryu over my laughter. Dad's keeping his voice down. I want to know what's going on. Dodge Ball just nods and walks back over with Dad beside him.
"I'm going to stay here with you. I'm not leaving," he says, looking down at me. He has changed. I think he knows what's really coming. He told me he was planning to fight. "I've called Arisawa to come and get Orihime out of here. With the relocation going on and Arisawa being her guardian I'm sure she can have Orihime removed from here. She's not high risk. Reading her file I found out she could have left a while ago but kept 'relapsing.' I think she was staying because of you. I'm hoping it will happen this evening or early tomorrow at the very latest. I've already done some paperwork that might help speed things along. I can't make any promises though so keep your fingers crossed."
I shakily raise my hand with my fingers crossed. He smiles slightly as Dad sits on my bed and Uryu takes the chair. I hope they can get her out. I don't want her getting hurt by staying here. More importantly I don't want her to see me when I change. She doesn't need to see it. I would scare her too much.
(Normal POV. Roughly 3 hours earlier. Hotel.)
Uryu sighed as he walked inside a very nice hotel. The lobby was huge, well lit, and very busy. He had a small look around before he headed for the front desk. A young clerk turned to look at him. She had a smile on her face. Uryu lightly nodded at her.
"Good afternoon, how may I help you?" she asked as Uryu cleared his throat.
"Yes, I'm looking for conference room 3," he answered.
"Sure, go down past the café over there and turn right, down the hall. The room will be on your left," she said, happily, pointing toward the small café.
"Thank you," he said, walking to where she pointed.
He passed the café and looked through the large window at the people inside. He might stop there before he left. Coffee sounded good to keep his energy up. He turned right and spotted the door. He stopped in front of the cherry-wood stained door. This is where Kuchiki-taichou had wanted to meet him. This was certainly better than using his own small apartment. He lightly knocked on the well-polished door. A moment later the door swung open and he was greeted with the smiling face of Matsumoto.
"Great! Right on time, Ishida," she beamed, stepping aside to let him in. "Come on in and have a seat."
To his surprise he saw Shihoin sitting at the table as well. He didn't see Tessai, however. He walked in as Matsumoto shut the door back. He took the empty seat beside Shihoin and Matsumoto went back to her own seat. There were a few finger-foods on the table along with drinks. Apparently this might take a while. Uryu took notice of three new faces at the table. The one at the head clearly had to Kuchiki Byakuya but he wasn't sure who the others were. On one side sat a bookish woman with her black hair pulled pull up with one little area off the right side to hang freely. She adjusted her glasses a bit as she looked at Uryu. The other was a tall man with shaggy black shoulder length hair and dark aquamarine eyes. A bored look weighed heavily on his face. Uryu really had to study his face. It was kind of odd. Not that the man looked weird but he had an odd sort of resemblance…
"Good afternoon," Byakuya spoke, getting Uryu's attention. "Now that everyone is here. Let's get this meeting underway. Ishida Uryu, I would like to introduce myself. I am Kuchiki Byakuya, I'm captain of Squad 5. To my right is Lieutenant Ise Nanao of Squad 8 and to my right is Lieutenant Shiba Kaien of Squad 13."
Uryu bowed slightly from his seat. Nanao returned the bow and Kaien just half waved before yawning a bit.
"I see that you're bored already," Byakuya said, turning to look at stunned Kaien.
"Huh? N-no! I just didn't get that much sleep," Kaien said, snapping to attention and sat up straight.
"Hm. Very well. As of last night my lieutenant, Abarai Renji and my sister, Kuchiki Rukia were attacked and injured by an Arrancar. The Arrancar has been identified as Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez. Also there was the surprise attack by Tosen Kaname and the subsequent kidnapping of Hitsugya-taichou," Kuchiki said, looking down at some papers in front of him. "And thanks to Ishida last night we've also have a rough idea of what we're walking into. Ise-fukutaichou, if you would."
"Yes, of course. These are the stats of the counter Uryu wore last night to the hospital. Now keep in mind these numbers aren't fixed. As Ishida didn't walk the whole building," Nanao said, standing up and started handing out packets to each person. "As I'm sure you can see the amount of paranormal entities are staggering. So much so that the counter on demons alone maxed out at 1,000,000 plus. Souls counted out at a staggering 599,874. Hollows are much lower at 85,745. And of course by sheer dumb luck I believe, Ishida, you may have encountered Aizen Sosuke. The counter discovered one Shinigami in the building."
"What?" Uryu asked, looking at his packet. "But I don't… Wait. I knocked shoulders with a man last night as I left Kurosaki's room. He was doctor. He had on glasses and had shaggy brown hair."
"I'm pretty sure that's him," Nanao nodded.
"Also one more thing," Uryu said, looking back up at her. "These numbers, I didn't see them last night."
"You're not going to. They are literally the structure of the hospital," she stated, taking her seat again. "Only a small majority can be seen. Speculation is that those are the ones that haven't been assimilated just yet. The building may not look like it but it's an entity that is slowly growing. For the most part right now it's dormant but that won't be for much longer. We're still not sure how he amassed so many souls and hollows without our knowledge."
"So, you're saying the building is living?" Yoruichi asked.
"Yes. On top of that it's a bomb designed to wipe out all of reality," Byakuya answered, looking at her with slate gray eyes. "Everything will be wiped away. Every person, animal, soul, demon, star, and planet will be completely obliterated in one single blast. We are the team that will go in and try to defuse the bomb."
"And just how are we to do that?" Madarame asked with a snort. "We don't know what's making it tick."
"That's where you will come in, Shihoin," Byakuya said, turning to look at her again. "Your ability to see and sense things might be useful with that."
"I can try but my ability is mostly looking into the past. Sometimes into the present for certain locations but I can't foretell anything," Yoruichi stated.
"Be that as it may, we could still use that ability as a way to pick up Aizen's past dealings inside the building," Byakuya replied. "Finding key locations or something we can use to help fight."
"I will have no problem with that. I just ask that my assistant comes with me," Shihoin said as Byakuya narrowed his eyes a bit. "I don't do any investigations without him. We're a team Tessai and I. On top of that Ishida will have to the one to let us into the building."
"She is right. The building right now is covered in reporters and police are only letting in staff and family with passes," Uryu added. "They can't just enter at leisure."
"Than you will get them in. Also, Ishida, being that you are already close to the White Devil you will monitor him until the human body he resides in expires. Both of you will have a camera and an earpiece in which we will communicate with you," Byakuya said as they slowly nodded. "We will keep tabs on you both nearby. We don't know what the trigger is but we'll wait to make our move until Kurosaki dies. We will have to get in there and hopefully dispatch him before he can reawaken as the Hollow King."
Both Uryu and Yoruichi had mournful looks on their faces. He said that in a rather cold voice. Grant it Kurosaki meant nothing to him. Byakuya never met him and all the captain saw was a monster sitting in a hospital bed.
"Once we dispatch the Hollow King we will split up and look for Hitsugaya-taichou. Shihoin, you may be useful in finding him as well," Byakuya continued as she nodded. "The other half will try to find Aizen and Tosen and stop them. Hopefully we all rejoin each other quickly and take them down along with the bomb. Outside the hospital the Kido Corps will set up a barrier around the hospital to try and contain what we can. They will be protecting the city along with the majority of Soul Society ready to attack. We have no idea just how big Aizen's army may be but if it's made of demons and Arrancar we are looking at a devastating battle."
"So we're going to war, huh?" Yumichika said eagerly, crossing his arms. "Captain Zaraki must be going crazy just waiting around. I bet he's tearing something up right now to occupy his time."
"I know, right? Can't say I blame him," Ikkaku added with a smirk. "I can't wait to get this underway, too."
"Typical. You Squad 11 people can be pretty barbaric," Rangiku sighed. "Just don't get too carried away. We've got to find my captain first. I don't need you hurting him."
"He'll be fine, Matsumoto," Ikkaku waved her off. "I mean for crying out loud, if it wasn't for him telling you to back off all the time I think you'd baby him. He's a captain. The brat can take care of himself for the most part."
"All the same you do have to remember we are entering a living bomb, Madarame," Kaien spoke up, looking at Ikkaku and Yumichika. "One misplace Kido spell or swing of a zanpakuto could also set it off. We will have to tread lightly."
"Shiba-fukutaichou does have a valid point. We don't know how it's constructed and what will set it off," Nanao added. "Don't get too hasty, you two. It will do you both some good to show a little restraint once and a while."
"Kill joys, the lot of you," Yumichiya groaned, sliding down in his seat.
"Uh, C-Captain Kuchiki, did you get my theory about…" Yamada's voice trailed off as Byakuya turned to look at him.
"Yes, it was received. However, given how long ago the last time the Hollow King reigned we can't say for sure or if that's even a possibility. Yamamoto-sotaichou might know best but he hasn't spoken on it," Byakuya replied, looking at the nervous medic. "However, we are speculating that upon his rebirth the Hollow King will be incredibly weak. He will need to feed to regain his strength."
"And given that he's a hollow… He'll eat…" Uryu's voice wavered.
"He'll literally eat any spirit or hollow he comes across. He will pretty much have an endless appetite. He'll go after those with high spirit energy first. Such as all of us sitting here in this room," Kaien said, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "We'll be a smorgasbord for him to feed off of, hence why we have to nip this mess in the bud."
"Food—such as what's in front of us means nothing to a hollow," Byakuya said, picking up a small sandwich. "They can never truly ever be full. They feed on spirits to fill a void within themselves that is bottomless. It is, in all honesty, a horrible existence."
"I see…" Uryu said, casting his eyes down.
"What should we do if we actually do encounter Aizen while in the hospital?" Yoruichi asked, looking at Byakuya. "I'm almost certain he'll know Tessai and I don't belong there."
"I'm with her on that. I'm going to be watching Kurosaki so he might be buzzing around him quite a bit," Uryu added.
"Don't engage him. Pretend you don't know him," Byakuya answered quickly. "If he talks to you, don't try to do anything fancy to get information from him. He's quick to pick up on that and it could blow everything. He already knows we're here so his defenses will be up. We move in and we have to move fast when the time comes. Keep in mind that there are still living people in that building. They may get in our way."
"Yeah, about that… It's going to be hard to fight with so many people around," Kaien stated. "We could end up hurting them or—"
"Yamamoto-sotaichou has already stated that casualties cannot be avoided. If you have an opportunity you are to take it regardless of who's around you at that moment," Byakuya said noticing Kaien's face darkened a bit. "Even if that means killing the living to do so."
"You're telling me that the Head-captain is okay with us just killing people?" Kaien snapped, getting to his feet. "But we were always told to save as many people as we can."
"We are not to kill them outright only should they be in our way. A few lives lost to save billions more is but a drop in the bucket," Byakuya reprimanded, looking up at the angry lieutenant. "Of course we should avoid it where we can but I'm telling you do not hesitate to kill anybody that gets in your way. We aren't fighting hollows where trying to save lives is our priority. Aizen demise comes first."
"That still doesn't make it much better. Damn it," Kaien snapped and walked over to the window and looked out. "I'll do if I have to but I won't like it."
"None of us will like it but it's a sad fact of war," Matsumoto said with a sigh. "People are going to get hurt. You can't help that sometimes. Kuchiki-taichou was trying to warn us of what we may have to do. We aren't going in there to just to murder people."
"I know what he meant," Kaien huffed.
"Someone told me… That a solider doesn't complain about fairness he just does what needs to be done," Uryu said, looking over his shoulder at Kaien.
"Oh? Then can you kill someone?" Kaien questioned, turning to look at Uryu. "When the cards on are the table can you honestly do the deed? Keep in mind these are humans, not hollows."
"I… I don't know. But when one is forced into that sort of situation anyone can think differently at that moment," Uryu replied, quickly. "I say I don't know because I've never been in that situation and I take it you haven't either. So, I can't say for sure what I'll do if I'm forced into that."
"That being said none of us knows. We can say what we want but when pressured our wants can change in a heartbeat," Nanao spoke up. "We haven't been to war in centuries, Lieutenant Shiba. None of us are comfortable with the task at hand."
"I understand, honestly I do. I just hate to hurt people," Kaien said, hanging his head a bit low.
"It takes a brave person to do what needs to be done but even the bravest person has fears," Yoruichi said, looking at Kaien. "So it's okay if you are scared."
"I never said I was," Kaien snorted, crossing is arms.
"Didn't have to. I can read auras. Everyone in here is anxious and scared to a certain level," Yoruichi said. "Even those two tough guys over there are a little nervous."
"WE ARE NOT," Yumichika and Ikkaku snapped at her in unison.
"Oh, yes, you two are," Yoruichi grinned, waving at them. "Some are just better at hiding it than others."
"Shiba-fukutaichou, come sit back down," Byakuya said, gesturing to the empty seat. Kaien let out a long breath and walked back over to his seat and sat down. "I was only trying to make you all aware of what we may have to do. Being that there are living people in the hospital Aizen can and most likely will use them a shield. We don't have the time to negotiate or work around them. We all have to keep in mind that Aizen and Tosen are planning to destroy everything we know. Time is of the essence right now. Sentiment and compassion are not needed on the battlefield. You all should know that from your training at Shino Academy. Weak emotions are not fit for battle. I'm I clear?"
"Yes, sir," came a collective of voices in response.
Kaien, looked down that table at Uryu. The young man was right, he couldn't complain about fairness right now. And Yoruichi was right in that he was scared of hurting people but if it meant taking down Aizen or Tosen… He was a lieutenant and had to do the tasks handed to him. He was a solider. Like Uryu had said one doesn't know what they'll do until they're put into that situation.
"Now the packet has a few more outlines to follow that we will go over shortly," Byakuya said. "Grant it these are not set in stone as things can change. Ishida, Shihoin, are you comfortable doing what we ask of you?"
"I have no issues," Yoruichi said, shaking her head.
"I don't either," Ishida added. "I can do what you ask."
"Good. If you want, you can eat," Byakuya said, looking at the group. "We start this afternoon and this may be the last thing you eat for a while. We'll get both of you wired up before you leave. If you run into any trouble we'll know about it."
"Where's the restrooms?" Uryu asked.
"Go back out the door and turn right. It's at the far end of the hall," Hanataro said, grabbing a plate.
"Thank you," Uryu said, getting up and walked out door.
He walked back past the café and continued on down the hall. He opened the door and walked over to the sinks. His heart was in his throat. He didn't like this at all either. However, seeing Shiba Kaien rattled him a bit. He looked like a slightly older Ichigo with a different color palette. He wanted to say something about that but opted not to do so. He felt that he might be rude to say something like that. More than likely the man had already caught flak for it. He didn't want to add to it. Although I did make him feel better that he wasn't the only one with those same fears. He washed off his face a bit and took a few deep breathes. He grabbed a few paper-towels and dried off his face and hands. He could do this. He had to do this. He turned on is heel and walked back out. He only got two steps out the door when he found himself pinned to the wall.
"Uh, Matsumoto…?" he choked as she had a hand placed on either side of his head. "What's wrong…?"
"Who told you that saying?" she asked, her light blue eyes glaring at him from under her blond locks.
"What saying?" Uryu asked as she leaned in closer. Her breasts pressing again him. "I don't understand—"
"A solider doesn't complain about fairness he just does what needs to be done," she chanted as Uryu's face paled. "Only one person I know… Just one has ever told me that same thing. Where did you hear that from?"
"I-I don't know I just heard it somewhere," Uryu choked, trying to get out from underneath her.
"Stop lying to me, Ishida," she growled out. "Answer me! You had to have heard it from someone! Who was it? Tell me!"
"For that last time I don't know! I just heard it in passing," Uryu snapped, finally pushing her back a little and get out from the wall. "I'm sorry… I can't help you."
"Don't you dare lie! It was Ichimaru Gin, wasn't it?" she snapped, grabbing his arm. "Please, I have to know! Is he… Is he still alive?"
Uryu wouldn't look at her. He promised he wouldn't say a word to anyone and he goofed by saying that phrase. He didn't think anything about it. Now the Squad 10 lieutenant was breathing down his neck, wanting an answer. He didn't know what to say. If he said anything it could mean Ichimaru's life. The fox-face man had plans of his own to help and he knew Aizen's plan better than anyone. If they captured or killed him now… It wouldn't be pretty.
"Ishida, look at me! Please, look at me and tell me the truth," she ordered, pulling on his arm as he tried to pull out of her grasp but failed. "I won't get you in trouble! I won't tell anyone, I swear! I just… I have to know."
He turned to look at her slightly. She had a somber look on her face as she waited for his answer. Ichimaru clearly meant something dear to her from the looks she was giving him. He chewed the inside of lip. He promised not to breathe a word but if he didn't say anything Matsumoto might do something to him. He was damned if did and damned if he didn't. What was he do?
"Ishida," she whined.
"I… I can't confirm…" he breathed.
"But you won't deny?" she huffed, letting go of him and looked at her hand. "I can feel just a trace of his energy on you."
"Then why did you…" he asked in a hushed tone.
"I just wanted to hear it…" she sighed, wiping an eye. "His betrayal hurt me deeply. Then when he defected from Aizen and was killed, I just… Ichimaru and I were childhood friends. We helped to look after each other growing up. I should ask why he was in contact with you and where he is but I won't… I'll just ask this… Is he on our side? Are you on our side?"
"I understand your skepticism but, yes, we are your side," Uryu said, looking at her. "I have every intention of helping. I'm not betraying anyone. I can promise you that."
"Can I hold you to it?" she asked, her light blues meeting his dark blues.
"Yes," he nodded, curtly.
"Thank you… Honestly, I won't tell anyone," she said, turning back down the hall. "However, if you even think of…"
"I'm not, I'm not," he quickly said in defense as she glared at him, getting right in his face. "I would never!"
"You had better not," she said, knocking him in the back of the head. Her attitude bounced right back to normal. "Okay! Let's head on back. We'll eat and get you and Shihoin wired for when you enter the hospital."
"That sounds great… Just don't hit me so hard," he moaned, rubbing the back of his head, walking with her back down the hall.
"You mean like this?" she mused, ramming her shoulder into him and pinning him against the wall. She dug her elbow deep into his ribs for added measure. "Say 'uncle.' C'mon, say it! Say it!"
"OWW! Okay! Uncle," Uryu snapped as she pushed off him.
"My, oh, my! What a delicate little flower! Hahahaha!" she laughed wickedly as she walked on down the hall. "Remember your promise or else, Ishida!"
"Ugh… They're going to kill well before this war does," Uryu grumbled, pushing off the wall and followed a ways behind her, rubbing his abused ribs.
(Karakura Hospital. Ryuken's former office. 3:25)
Uryu walked into his father's office, empty boxes in hand with Shihoin and Tessai behind him. He explained to the guard out front that they were a couple of friends that were going to help him clean out his father's office. That wasn't a total lie but that wasn't the whole truth either. It was the best cover he could think of to get them inside.
Tessai closed the office door behind them. Uryu set down the boxes and threw Shihoin his father's spare lab-coat. She quickly put it on as Uryu started going through his father's belongs. Tessai and Yoruichi helped as well to fill up the boxes. Finding some extra name tags he made a couple of new ones for her and Tessai. He even handed her his keycard so they could move freely through the building as needed.
He opened the file cabinet and pulled out Orihime's file. He read over it briefly before going through his father's desk drawers. If nothing else he could spare Orihime a possible horrible fate. Finding a few release papers he quickly started to fill them out. Being an intern he would still have to have a senior physician go over and approve.
"What are you filling out?" Tessai asked, looking over Uryu's shoulder.
"Release forms for a patient. I don't want her getting hurt," he said, reading over them. "I'll drop these off with a doctor to approve. Hopefully I can get her removed from the premises shortly. I need to call her guardian to come over as well."
"This wouldn't happen to be the same young lady from that viral picture, would it?" Shihoin asked with a sly grin.
"It is. I figure it would also help to put Ichigo at ease if she wasn't here," he answered, looking up at her again briefly. "She doesn't need to be here when everything happens."
"How admirable," Tessai said, patting Uryu hard on the shoulder. "You truly are a good man!"
"Ow! Thank you," Uryu said, rolling his abused shoulder as he put down his pen. "Okay, I just need to drop these off. You two can head on off. Just keep up with that cardkey."
"We will," Yoruichi said, patting the coat pocket. "Good luck, Ishida. Promise me you'll keep in contact with me as well."
"Don't worry, I will," he said, pulling out his cell phone.
"Be safe, young man. It sounds like you've got the hardest job between us," Tessai said, opening the door for Yoruichi. "He's your friend, isn't he? I can't imagine what condition he's in right now. I'm sure it's a far cry from that rowdy, foul-mouthed carrot top I first encountered."
"Yeah, he's definitely not the same. I don't know you'd even recognize him," Uryu sighed.
Yoruichi turned look at Uryu and walked up to him. He looked up at her as she reached out and hugged him.
"Hmm… Sh-shihoin?" he choked out.
"Ishida, I hate that you have to be put through all this but if it wasn't for bad luck you wouldn't have any," she said into his ear. "I know you're trying to do your best and that's what you should do, just don't overdo it, okay? You've changed since we last met in a lot of ways. You're ability really has grown and so have you."
"Uh, thanks," he said as she let go of him a little.
"Group hug," Tessai exclaimed, picking up both Yoruichi and Ishida up.
"Wow, okay… Feet are not on the floor," Yoruichi exclaimed, trying to look down as she was smooshed between her partner and Uryu.
"I-I can't feel—my lungs," Uryu gasped, trying to wriggle out of the vice grip.
"We must try to do our best, right, milady?" Tessai asked, looking down at her.
"Y-yes, always. But, um… Tessai, you can put us down now," she said, looking at Uryu with worry. "Our young intern is a slight shade of blue."
"Oh, dear. Terribly sorry about that," he said, setting them both down as Uryu gasped for much needed air. "I forget my own strength at times!"
"I-I can tell," he breathed, sitting back down, holding a hand over his chest.
"C'mon, let's go. He needs to finish up," Yoruichi said, walking back to the door with Tessai. "Take care, Uryu."
"I will," Uryu waved and looked at the phone in his hand.
He found Tatsuki's number in Orihime's file and quickly called it. It rang a few times before she picked up. He had to do this. Orihime might not like it but it was for her own safety. She did not need to be in the middle of this fight.
"Hello?"
"Arisawa, hello…" Uryu said, leaning back in his seat.
"Uh, Ishida? What's wrong? Are you okay? Is Orihime okay?" worry was heavy in her voice.
"Well… I'm not sure. Listen, I hate to ask you this on such short notice but… Do you think you can come to the hospital?" he asked, looking back down at the release papers. "I want you to take Inoue home with you."
"What? Are you serious?" she chokes out. "How come? What's wrong?"
"Just… Please, just come and get her. It's not safe for her to be here any longer," he answered. "I've got her release forms. I just need to find a doctor to sign off on them and I need your signature as well. She just can't stay here."
"You're scaring me, Ishida. What's going on?" Tatsuki voice darkened a bit. "Was there another attack or something?"
"No… Well, not yet… I… I just don't think she needs to be here! This whole environment is just not safe," Uryu snapped. "Don't argue with me on this! Kurosaki as of yesterday collapsed! He's dying and only has a few hours left. Orihime knows and she doesn't need to be here. Reading her file I think she was only staying because of him. Just please come and get her. Call me when you get to the hospital."
There was a long heavy pause on Tatsuki's end of the line. Uryu slowly heard her draw in a low breath and let it out.
"I'll have my parents set up the fold away in my room," she said slowly. "I'll be over after my shift, which is over at 5. So I'll be there around 5:15 or so."
"Thank you, Arisawa," he breathed in relief. "I'm sorry to force you but she really does not need to be here. Take her home."
"I will," she answered, before hanging up.
Uryu hung up the phone and ran a hand over his face. He stood and grabbed the papers. He just needed to find a doctor that would agree with him. He looked around the corridor a little when his eyes fell on a familiar face. It was the same doctor that woke him up out in the lobby. Perhaps he would be kind enough to sign off and approve.
"Doctor?" Uryu said, walking up to the man.
"Uh? Oh, Ishida Uryu? I wasn't expecting to see you here," he said, turning to face the intern. "I'd figure you'd be at home right now."
"No, unfortunately, I'm here," Uryu said, looking at the man's name tag. "Dr. Kagami, can you do me a favor? Can you sign off on these?"
"What are they?" Kagami asked, looking at papers. "Release forms?"
"I believe Inoue Orihime no longer needs to be here. If anything I think this environment is more hurtful than helpful, given what's gone on the last couple of days," Uryu said, handing over the papers. "I've sign where I needed to but I'm not an official doctor."
Dr. Kagami looked at the papers with a confused look on his face. With the relocation going on that really shouldn't be a problem but…
"I can, yes, but why the sudden need to pull her out? You make it sound like she needs to leave tonight," he said, looking at Uryu. "Is something wrong? I mean it'll take a little time and—"
"One word: Arisawa. If you think she was scary the other day, oh boy, are you in for a treat if this isn't done," Uryu said as the doctor shrunk back a little. "She'll be here a little after 5 this afternoon. She is quite adamant about taking Inoue out of here. You don't want to set her off. I remember once back in high school a bully thought it would be funny to pick on her for her boyish looks. Let's just say his face never looked quite the same after that, with his nose pointing towards his left ear."
"S-seriously?" Dr. Kagami choked out, looking at the papers in his shaking hands.
"Oh, yes, so you know, if you don't mind," Uryu grinned, tapping the papers. "Get them signed and get them in the system before she arrives, that would be great!"
"Hmm… Y-yes, yes, of course. I'll g-get to work on this right away," Dr. Kagami said with a nervous grin. "Don't you worry about a thing, Ishida!"
"Thank you so very much, Dr. Kagami," Uryu said with a bow.
"Yeah," the doctor swallowed a large in his throat. "I've got it covered."
"See you in a little while," he waved at the doctor as he headed for the stairs.
Uryu pulled out his dad's keycard. Hopefully with all the commotion going on they didn't cancel his card. He ran it though the scanner and it took. The door unlocked and Uryu walked through and into the stairwell. Now he just had the daunting task of keeping an eye on Ichigo. So far he hadn't had any communication with the Shinigami. So, he must be doing something right. He walked down two flights to the next floor. He pushed open the door and walked out. He hastily turned towards Kurosaki's room when he heard the nurse behind him, clear her throat.
"We are restricting one person in there to visit at a time," she stated. "His father is already in there. I'm sorry. You'll have to wait."
"Nurse… Look, I'm… Let me put it a term you can understand: frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn," he responded, sharply, staring daggers at her.
She backed up a bit, a little shocked by his tone. She never seen that look in his eyes before. He turned sharply again and walked up to the door. He could hear nothing but crazed laughter just behind the steel door. This was it. He pushed down on the handle and opened the door.
(Uryu's POV)
I push open the door and stick my head in. That blood smell is still heavy in the air. I see Ichigo on his bed laughing his head off as he turns to look at me along Dr. Kurosaki. I walk in, shutting the door behind me. I see the gear by the door and sigh. I start putting on the protective gear when Dr. Kurosaki stands and walks over to me. I turn a little to face him. He looks rather grim and I can't blame him. He's watching his son die before his eyes.
"I'm glad you finally made it, Uryu. I was getting worried," he says in a slightly hushed tone. "He can no longer speak but he still has rational thought so far. He can answer yes and no questions with a nod or shake of his head. For him to form words is very hard, usually keeping it to one or two at most."
"Of course," I nodded my head, fixing my clothes so that collar where the camera is, isn't obscured.
I turn to face him and walk over with Dr. Kurosaki. He really is a pitiful sight. Tsukabishi is right; I think I got the hardest job. It's almost cruel to make me do this but… At the same time I need to be here not just because of the Shinigami but because I promised him. After that little confession last night I couldn't just leave him. I might as well tell him about my plans to get Orihime out of here. I know it will make him feel better knowing she won't get hurt.
"I'm going to stay here with you. I'm not leaving," I tell him, looking at him. He looks so different now. Even from last night. "I've called Arisawa to come and get Orihime out of here. With the relocation going on and Arisawa being her guardian I'm sure she can have Orihime removed from here. She's not high risk. Reading her file I found out she could have left a while ago but kept 'relapsing.' I think she was staying because of you. I'm hoping it will happen this evening or early tomorrow at the very latest. I've already done some paperwork that might help speed things along. I can't make any promises though so keep your fingers crossed."
I watch as he slowly raises his quivering hand with his middle and index fingers crossed. I smile a bit at his response. I take the chair and Dr. Kurosaki takes a spot on the bed. Now it's just a waiting game. I'm to remain here until farther orders. I don't know what I should do now that I'm here. He's just a laughing mess. Looking at him he looks like an emaciated corpse. The Crypt Keeper looks better than he does and that's not saying much. At least he still has a full head of hair. It' just bright white.
"Oh, wow he looks like crap, doesn't he?" I jump slightly, hearing a voice. It's just my earpiece. It's Matsumoto. "Kind of gross. Oops! That was little rude! I'm so sorry! Can you do us a favor?"
I clear my throat twice. It was one of our signals for yes. I can't really talk to them in front of people. We came up with different signals to mean different things.
"Captain Kuchiki wants you to ask the man beside you a few things. I've got them here, can you do that?"
Like I have a choice? I clear my throat twice again.
"Great! There's not many or anything real complicated. First question: how much longer does he have left?"
And straight to that question… I sigh and look at Dr. Kurosaki.
"Uh, Dr. Kurosaki? How much time does he…" this is harder to say than I thought.
"A few hours at best. Could be this evening or early morning," he answers, rubbing the bridge his nose. "The doctor's not sure."
I turn to face the floor. Yeah… The way things are looking I'm guessing sometime this evening. He looks and sounds too far gone to last into the earlier morning hours.
"That being said… Just who is his doctor?"
"You know… I actually have no idea who his doctor is," I respond as Isshin takes in a deep breath and looks at me oddly.
"Oh? I thought you'd know by now. It's Dr. Aizen Sosuke. He's from next door," he says, hooking thumb towards the sister building. "A bit of odd ball if you ask me. He could really work a bit more on his bedside manner. Not overly fond of the fellow, to be honest. He seems nice but I don't know. He's like sugar coated arsenic. That's just my opinion."
"Wow! Talk about hitting the hammer on the nail," I hear her gasp in my ear. "Okay, next question. What do you think triggered the sudden quick change in his health?"
"What caused him to suddenly drop like he did? The day before he was perfectly fine," I inquire as Isshin shrugs at me.
"Your guess is as good as mine right now. He can't tell us—" Isshin pauses as Ichigo taps his father on the leg, and points behind him. "Hm? Uh, do you…?"
Huh… I just realized Sado was in here. Wow, don't I feel smart. I was so focused on Ichigo I didn't pay too much mind to who else was in here. That's not a good thing to do. Sado leans back a bit in his seat. Hm? He's has bandages? He must have been in here when the Devil attacked, which is of course why Ichigo pointed to him. I turn a little more to face the large guard a little better.
"Well, I take it you were in here," I sigh as he nods his head.
"I was. I'm not too sure of everything. It all happened pretty fast. Kurosaki was fine for a while until Chairman Takeuchi started telling him about his relocation and that he wanted to see Kurosaki personally," Sado explains and he looks at us. "That's when he snapped. He destroyed his restraints and went after me and the two other guards. I tried to protect the Chairman but was thrown back and knock unconscious for a small while. When I came to I found Kurosaki trying to drown Chairman Takeuchi in the toilet. I grabbed him and pulled him away. Some staff showed up as he managed to pull out of my grasp. We cornered him over there and right after that he just started to vomit up blood."
I look over to the corner in question. I snort a bit. That's a right popular corner with him.
"So, he really just started doing all this suddenly?" Isshin asks.
"Yes," Sado nods.
"Have there been any more signs of the White Devil?" I ask and Sado shrugs along with the other staff.
"He's been behaving for us so far," the nurse said, fixing her gloves a little. "We haven't had many problems lately. He'll of course let us know when we do something he doesn't like."
I watch as he gives her the finger and her eye twitches. He's so doing that to aggravate. I smile a little at her reaction.
"Much like that," she grumbles, forcing his quivering hand back down. "Quit it."
"I guess that will never change," Isshin laughs, slightly.
A moment later Ichigo grabs his bin and throws up into it. It's not nearly as much as last night. Given how thin he is now… Yeah… There's not much time left for him. He leans back on his pillows, wiping his mouth. He's still laughing his head clean off. It is annoying but nothing can be done about it. I look down at my gloved hands and bite my lip. The end is inching ever closer and there's nothing I can do. I hate watching this happen.
I wonder though… That trick that Ichimaru taught me this morning to sense what's around me. I was scared to do so when I entered this building, especially seeing all those numbers written out from that counter. I need to know, however. I draw in a deep breath and focus for a moment—Ugh! Dear God! I can sense them! All of them! The amount is staggering! I feel a sharp chill run down my spine and my stomach clinch! I can't see them but I can feel what's surrounding us! I look back up at Ichigo. I can even feel what's growing inside him as well. It sticks out like a sore thumb even among the filth making up the building. I kind of wish I hadn't done that but I do need to keep my senses open.
"Uryu, is something the matter? The color just washed out of your face," Isshin states and I turn my eyes look at him.
"It's nothing," I reply. "I just thought of something. Don't worry about."
"Ishida, are you all right?" That's Matsumoto again. "We detected a small energy spike from you."
I clear my throat twice telling her I'm fine. I guess I had a bigger reaction than I thought. I take a couple deep breaths to try and calm my nerves. But now that I'm open I can sense everyone in the building too. I wonder if I can… I focus a little more. Hmmm… I think I can feel Shihoin on the ground floor. I can also sense someone else on the third that has elevated energy as well and… Whoa! Where did that come from? Who is that? They are unreal! My heart is just racing in my chest! They're getting closer to the room. Could that be…? I turn to look at the door as I sense that strong presents draw closer and closer. It has to be him. He's on this floor now. I don't like how he just materialized out of nowhere. A moment later I see the door open as my heart jumps into my throat.
(Normal POV)
The door swung open a little as man with brown hair and glasses walked in, a clipboard in hands. Uryu stiffened as the man shut door. The doctor smiled at them as he stood by the door. That was him. That was the man from last night. That had to be Aizen Sosuke. Uryu tried to keep calm as Aizen put on a few articles of protective gear and walked over to them. He stood beside Uryu as he looked down at Ichigo. Uryu heard a crack in his earpiece.
"Oh, shit… Uh, don't engage him! If he talks to you just answer him. Don't try anything."
"So how are you doing now?" he asked, looking at Ichigo glared at him even through the laughter. "You're about out of blood, I see. You could also do with some more pain meds and fluids as well, shortly."
"I'll get him some more when he runs out," the nurse said, looking at Aizen.
"Of course you will. Dr. Kurosaki, has there been much change?" Aizen said, looking at Isshin with a bit of fake grin.
"Not much, no," Isshin shook his head. "He's still rational and throwing up blood."
"Hm. Well, at least he's rational," Aizen replied curtly as Isshin glared at him too. "Let's have a listen to you. Sit up."
Ichigo struggled to sit up straight as Aizen took out his stethoscope and listened to the young man's inner workings. He moved the instrument about, listening good and hard. Then he picked up Ichigo's trembling, boney wrist. He felt around for a pulse as he looked at his watch.
"You're awfully cold," he commented, moving his hand to Ichigo's forehead. "We'll get you some more blankets. Want a heating pad?"
Ichigo shook his head as Aizen shrugged.
"To each their own," Aizen said, pushing up his glasses. "Everything still sounds about the same from an hour ago. Hearts a touch weaker, however. How is that new pain med working for you?"
Ichigo gave him a thumbs down. Aizen rubbed his chin a bit.
"It's morphine," he said, looking at the small bag. "We can't give you pills as you can't keep anything down. I can up this only a touch more but I fear going any farther than that."
"HAHAHAHAHAAA! D-d-diehehehehing AAAAAAHAHAHAHA Any—anywa-wa-way! MMMMAHAHAHAHA!" Ichigo choked out, looking at the man.
"All the same, ethnics and that," Aizen stated, coldly, looking back at Ichigo. "I wish there was more I could do but sadly there isn't. All I can do is try and make you comfortable."
"Just how much longer does he have to go through all this?" Isshin asked, looking at his son.
"Still can't say. He's got a lot of fight in him so…" his voice trailed off as he shrugged. "Late evening, early morning still. Somewhere along that."
Isshin let out a long breath. He didn't like that answer too much. He hated to see his child suffer so much. He was just tearing at him. He wanted to help as much as he could but what could he do? He was here and that's what Ichigo cared about most. He remembered what he saw last night in that mirror and it scared him to know that thing was inside his son. Is that what his son was to become? What was he to do when that time came?
"You're awfully quiet, Ishida," Aizen said, turning to look at Uryu.
"Yeah," Uryu mumbled, casting his blue eyes down. "I'm just listening."
"I see…" Aizen said, pulling out a pen and started writing on the papers attached to his clipboard. "No input? You've been with him longer than I have. When do you think things started to go downhill with him?"
Uryu bit his lip, he didn't like this. He knew what he was supposed to do with Aizen but that didn't make things any easier. What was he to say? He looked at Ichigo briefly before turning to look at Aizen.
"I'm not really sure to be honest. It started a while ago with the White Devil slowly returning but then recently it just… Accelerated as of the last couple of weeks even more so these last few days," Uryu answered, turning to look back Ichigo. "That's all I've noticed so far. As for his overall health he showed no signs of this illness prior to yesterday. He was quite well a couple of days ago."
"So you don't know what cause this?" Aizen asked, his pen hovering over his papers, his gaze burning into Uryu.
Oh, I know what caused this. It was you, you bastard. Uryu shrugged. "I have no idea what brought this on."
"Oh, well. I figured I would ask all the same," he said, patting Uryu on the shoulder. "Thank you anyway. Don't exhaust yourselves staying here. Take a break once in a while."
Uryu felt a wave of energy go through him, locking him in place. Aizen had to be on to him. This wasn't good. He honestly couldn't move as he sat in the chair. His whole body was locked. What did he do? Aizen smiled as he let out a sigh.
"I'll check back in again in an hour. Should anything happen let me know," he said, turning on his heel. "I'll see you in a little while."
He walked back to the door and. The tension dropped a great bit after he left. Uryu let out a shaky breath as his body started to come out of its stupor. Just what was that? His heart was just going a mile a minute. That baring pressure felt like it was smothering him.
"Uryu? Hey, Uryu, are okay?" Isshin asked, scooting a little close to Uryu, getting his attention.
"Uh, y-yeah… I'm fine," Uryu said, letting out a slight shiver.
"Fine, huh? Well, you don't look so fine to me," Isshin said, crossing his arms.
"Sugar coated arsenic," Uryu muttered.
"He rubs you wrong, doesn't he?" Isshin sighed.
"He's that way with most everyone here," the nurse spoke up. "The guy's a total creep. He's only been working as a doctor at the main hospital for a little over a month or so."
"Really?" Uryu asked, looking over at her.
"Oh, yeah. He thinks he's God's gift to this hospital," she snorted, making a sour face. "Don't get me wrong he's a good doctor but he as arrogant as they come."
"So have you worked with him before?" Uryu asked as she nodded. "What's he like?"
"What's he like? Honestly, the man me want to-" She started as Ichigo threw up again. She handed him a new rag to wipe his mouth. She then put her attention back on Uryu. "Thank you, Kurosaki, my sentiments exactly. I don't like the guy at all. It's weird… It's like he has another agenda for being here other than to be a doctor. I don't know, it's like we're in his way and that he has to work around us. He doesn't really work with anyone. Oh, and you better not get in his way or question him either. He'll tear you apart in a second."
"Experience talking?" Isshin asked and she nodded curtly, handing Ichigo a new tub.
"Oh, of course! A friend of mine got fired because she didn't follow his orders perfectly. He belittled her in front everyone, then got her supervisor to fire her right after, and it was over something minor," she said, bitterly. "She's been a nurse for 7 years and barely had any issues. He's barely worked here anytime and gets her fired instantly! That bastard! Excuse my language!"
"No, it's understandable," Uryu said with a weak smile.
"I've seen him off and on downstairs among the patients and other staff," the second guard spoke up. "Not a very nice fellow. He's wolf in sheep's clothing, if you ask me. Someone will ask for something, he'll either deny or ignore them."
"Yes! Exactly my point," the nurse bit out.
"He seems to have an interest in my son, however," Isshin said, looking at Ichigo. "That much is clear."
"Yeah, you're right," the nurse mused.
"A lot of people do," Sado spoke up. "For obvious reasons."
"You mean because he's the Devil of Karakura Hospital?" Isshin asked, turning to glare at Sado.
"Something like that," Sado replied. "That's one of the reasons why the Chairman came down to see him yesterday."
"Yeah, it could be his reputation," the nurse shrugged. "He's back in the news after all these years. He's high profile right now. I can't think of a better reason for Dr. Aizen to want to work with him."
"That could be true," the guard stated. "It could mean publicity for him for treating your son. Not to mention it's a good way to feed his ego and all that."
Isshin didn't like that. He should by all rights tell the doctor to back off but if Aizen is as powerful as the nurse said he could have him thrown out of the hospital. He didn't want that to happen. He couldn't afford that not at that this time. He made a promise and he was going to keep it. Isshin looked at Uryu briefly. He needed to talk to the boy to see how much he knew as well.
"Uryu, you mind coming with me to get something to eat?" Isshin asked as Uryu turned to look at him. "I'll treat."
"I-I, uh…" Uryu hesitated. He was supposed to stay with Ichigo.
"You can go with him but don't dawdle for too long," Rangiku answered.
"Sure, why not," Uryu said, getting to his feet as did Isshin.
"I'll be back shortly," Isshin said, looking down at Ichigo.
Ichigo nodded and gave him a shaky wave. Isshin walked to the door and opened it, letting Uryu out first, before shutting. They started to remove the protective gear, throwing them into the trashcan by the door.
"Uryu, I wanted to talk to you more than anything," Isshin said, taking off the last glove and tossed it. "Know anywhere we can be alone for a while?"
"My father's office, I guess," Uryu shrugged. "We can talk there."
"Then by all means, lead the way," Isshin nodded as Uryu lead the way back to the stairs.
(A/N Well, there you have it! Ugh! Finally, done with that chapter! I ended up with writer's block half way through the chapter! What a pain! Tell me what you think, please! I tried to show some key points along with some more twists and turns. Please review! I love feedback!)
Millie M. Banshee